You are going to meet your little soon - how exciting! You’ve been carrying your little babe for nearly 40 weeks and the anticipation to meet him or her is overwhelming. You’ve chosen to give birth at the hospital and it’s time to get organised and pack a bag for yourself, your little, and think about dad too! As a first time mum you’ve spent weeks and months choosing the perfect clothes and accessories for your little to wear (you may have gone overboard on purchasing all the cute things, don’t we all). But what do you pack in the hospital bag? You don’t want to pack too much, but you want to make sure you have enough. You might be thinking “What do I need for myself?” and be overcome with a bit of stress.
We are here to help you with what to pack in your hospital bag! I’ll give you a little tip - pack an extra bag of clothes for you and your little to leave in the car incase you have an unexpected extended stay in the hospital.
What to pack for your little:
- Singlet onsies - This will be dependent on the time of year. If you're having a baby in the cooler months you will definitely want to pack these.
- Long onsies - You can’t go past bonds zippies. With the double zips, they are going to be the easiest for changing nappies.
- Swaddle/blanket - You will get a blanket from the hospital (a sacred right for a new baby and mum) but you will also want to take your own.
- Going home outfit - Something comfy but cute. It’s such an exciting time and milestone in your new journey.
- Accessories - Think headbands, beanies, mittens, milestone discs.
- Nappies and wipes - There are some hospitals that provide these, but I think it's best to pack some just incase, especially if you have chose a specific brand of nappies and wipes to use.
- Bottles and formula (if you have chosen this) - Again, some hospitals provide this. But it's safer to take your own.
What to pack for you:
- Comfy clothes (tights, shirts, flowy dresses)
- Pyjamas
- Socks - It can get a little cold in the hospital, especially whilst laying in bed.
- High waisted undies - These were a lifesaver for me. Whilst I birthed vaginally, the high waisted undies were super comfy and gave a little extra support to my recovering postpartum tummy.
- Maternity pads - The hospital will have some for you to use, but it's best to pack extras.
- Breastfeeding bras - I used bonds maternity bras, and some from mat. Both had no underwire which is important in the early months of your breastfeeding journey.
- Toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, hairbrush.
- Scrunchies - No one needs their hair down or in their face when giving birth.
- Bath towel - The hospital will have towels for you to use, but I took my own towel and I’m so glad I did.
- {hone charger with a long cord - This is an essential. In most hospitals the power point is behind the bed on the wall.
- Earphones - You may be in a room with other mums and their new babies. If you want to tune out for a moment with some music, a movie, or podcast make sure to pack them.
- Snacks - I packed a few snacks but didn’t end up eating them. It's better to have them than not!
- Breast pads - Whether you've chosen to breastfeed or not, you will most likely have colostrum or milk leaking from your breasts. Save the mess with our reusable breast pads.
- Breastie milk saver
- Pregnancy and birth affirmations - A positive mindset is imperative to support you through your labour.
What to pack for your partner:
- Change of clothes
- Swimwear - If you choose to have a water birth or go in the shower your partner will definitely need these.
- Snacks
- Phone charger
- Earphones
What to pack in your extra bag:
- Clothes for your little
- Clothes for you
- Clothes for your partner
Having an extra bag in the car will save you the worry if your need to have an extended stay in the hospital. You won’t need to worry about giving your partner or family a list of things to pack and where to find everything.